Rice occupies 2.5 million hectare that is 10.9% of the total cultivated area with production of 5.1 million tonnes of milled rice. In Pakistan’s agrarian economy rice plays multifarious roles.
- Firstly, it is second staple food and contributes to our national food requirement.
- Secondly, rice industry is an important source of employment and income for rural people.
- Thirdly, it contributes in the country's foreign exchange exchequer.
For instance, during 1999-2000 about 2 million tonnes rice of worth 26 billion rupees was exported. The barter trade on Afghanistan border was in addition to this export. The significance of this commodity in our economy is evident from the above facts. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on the efforts needed to further improve its competitiveness in the international market.